The Love of our Lifetime

Hi Guys,
Just Mayan tonight... Ry and I are a little too emotional to write a full post, and I suspect thats the reason we haven't posted lately. There is so much to say lately and I feel our hearts are full of volatile emotion that runs raw and ebbs against our love. These past few weeks have been a test to see just how strong our love is. We're passing with flying colors, but it takes every ounce of strength to avoid the tears.

I made this video for Ryan, but also for my trip. Ryan hasn't seen the whole thing yet because it was too sad for him. But, seeing Ry's smiles gives me happiness like nothing else in the world, so I watch it... over and over again.

I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.

Love,
Mayan

Leaving on a jet plane...

As we count our final hours together before Mayan flies off the Prague for the semester, we find ourselves wondering what will be the most memorable way to pass the time.

So far today we have:
1. Picked up Peet's Coffee on the way to Nordstrom Rack, where Mayan found three of her favorite brand of shirts and a new pair of ballet flats. Ryan dutifully helped her realize a pair of Ugg boots are not a stylish enough choice for Europe.
2. Picked up a Cheesehouse sandwich, aka the best sandwiches in the Northern Hemisphere, and returned home.
3. Packed Mayan's bag to head back to LA.
4. Realized that the shirts from Nordstrom Rack were too big, so went to exchange them.
5. Played a little baseball in the front yard. Ryan had to chase after a few of Mayan's hits.
6. Played 6 different sports in Wii. Mayan found out her Wii age was 46 today. Disappointment still lingers.
7. ...Which leads us to now, where Mayan is diligently blogging while Ryan watches the Giants game quietly.

It a good day, mostly because we've spent the entire day together. Still, there is a certain uneasiness that comes with not knowing what the future will bring. Sure, we hope to Skype everyday, but we know that might not happen. We hope that e-mail will keep us in touch, but we know we will still feel far apart. Still, we have about two weeks left before Mayan leaves the country. She will be working at CLU until she leaves. Ryan plans on pumping iron to pass the time. Video games also help.

Both of us hope that this blog might be our anchor, somewhere we can 'come home to.' We hope that you guys will stay with us as we venture on the journey of the next four months.

Love,
My and Ry

OMG, Mom! I totally made E! News tonight! Love, Bristol

The cast of Jersey Shore. Bristol Palin & Levi whatshisname. Lady Gaga. Brett Favre.

Say it with us.... Media Tarts. Because we aren't comfortably saying what we actually want to say.

R:There are a lot of musicians in this boat. Like Britney Spears.
M: What makes you think of Britney Spears?
R: Just 'cuz it seems like she's always trying to get the attention of the media... by shaving her head...
M: Why? Who do you think?
R: Actually, I change my answer. Lady Gaga. I think she is weird so people will remember her. She wants to stand out.

M: Let the record show that I respect Lady Gaga's music. I like the way she sings and plays piano somewhat decently. See example here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-pRJE3kTGw
R: I never said she was bad, I just think she dresses up like a WWF wrestler.
M: Okay but I think Lady Gaga isn't a fame.... tart.... in the way Bristol Palin is. Her and the baby daddy got back together and "separated" just to be on the cover of magazines.

R: I don't even want to know who Bristol Palin is. I'm too mad about Brett Favre. Yeah. I don't know how to put what I think about Brett Farve into complete sentences. Mostly it would just be a string of insults.
M: Lets hear it. My first one would be idiot.
R: Douchebag. (Wow, Ry.) Lint Licker.
M: Okay, lets justify some of those.
R: He mostly is a traitor.
M: To who?
R: To the Packers! And everyone in the world! He's a liar. And a jerk because his sweet play beat the Niners.
M: This is personal isn't it?

R: The thing about Brett Favre is he starts something and then just watches the media have a field day with it! He sits back and just revels in the media fenzy. How is what Brett Favre's doing with his life NBC newsworthy?
M: Couldn't that be said about any of the people we have mentioned?
R: They all make the news for no apparent reason. There is a reason we have E! News.
M: False. Its for Chelsea Lately.
R: I meant the show E! News. Strictly a show... about people we shouldn't care about.
M: So who is newsworthy? The people who do-good for the world?
R: I don't really enjoy the news anyways; its so depressing. When thats the only thing people see or hear on the news it doesn't bode well for our society. Sorry. Got kind of deep on that one.
M: I'm down here with you, bub, So you are depressed by the cast of Jersey Shore.
R: I've never even seen it. The only person I have ever heard about is that Snuuki girl. Shuutki? Snooki? She looks like a man.
M; Miss Swan say she looka-like-a-man.

R: She really does though.
M: I'm thinking more Oompa Loompa.
R: Yeah, but... like a man Oompa Loompa. And all the people on Jersey Shore are not intelligent at all. Its bad.
M: So... consensus... only smart people should be allowed on TV.
R: No.... not only smart people! I would never be allowed on TV.
M: If only smart people were on TV, it would be a 24/7 marathon of Jeopardy. And it would be AWESOME.
R: So I would get about three right per day.
M: And I would get two. We're not media tarts.


Sigh. One day the media world will be set right again. One day.

Brett Favre, You suck.

Sincerely,
Mayan & Ryan.

Fun stuff... FO' FREE!

If you are expecting financial advice, you might rather visit Bill Gates blog. BUT! If you would like to find out 5 of our favorite dates that cost (almost) nothing... then read on, my friends, read on.

5. Take a Walk
Okay, I understand this sounds boring. Fine, you can exchange this with biking. Or fruitbootin' (Ryan would like it to be noted that he resents that fact I refer to Rollerblading as fruitbootin'). Or running, if you're that ambitious.
We are simple. We love, love, love to walk around together. Just walk and talk. if you haven't noticed, this world is absolutely beautiful. Before Ryan stopped me from my mile-a-minute life-speed, I never took the time to notice the little things- the way the sun hits the buildings at dusk, how people watching can be the most interesting way to spend a day, that slowing down to enjoy a meal at the table is much more satisfying than eating a bowl of oatmeal while walking to class. So take a walk.

4. Picnic
Okay, so its not totally free, but we assume you eat sometime, right? Packing up the picnic cooler is half the fun! Spend a little time in the kitchen making sandwiches, potato or macaroni salad or a nice, green salad. Bring a blanket, a frisbee, basketball or soccer ball and head to a park, or even your own yard! People make the mistake of thinking you have to leave the house to have fun. Which leads me to my next favorite thing to do...

3. Stargaze
Points if you can get out of a metropolis, but seriously, stargazing is so amazing. All it takes is a couple big blankets and a watchful eye. You have a lawn, so use it! Or go to a close park.. you can walk there ;) Keep track of who can see the most shooting stars! (Ryan ALWAYS win this game).


2. Rent a movie (from the Library!)
Most people don't know their their stuffy old local library actually might offer a large selections of DVDs to checkout. Pretty cool. If they don't you can get a Red Box DVD for 99 cents at a local grocery store. Movies are fun because its totally relaxing and you can discuss what you liked/didn't like afterwards :)

1. Free concert in the park!
Most cities offer a "free concert in the park" during the summer. By now, you guys probably know how obsessed we are with music... and especially concerts. Look it up on your local city website and see what you can find! Or take a drive to get to one. Even if you haven't heard of them before, check them out! There are so many great unknown bands out there. And you never know, they could end up being the next big thing! (Ryan recommends San Jose's Music in the Park)

We sincerely hope you are enjoying summer and will stop by to leave us your favorite free date ideas! We love hearing from you :)

My love don't cost a thing,
My & Ry

There's something in every atheist, itching to believe, and something in every believer, itching to doubt.

Consistency is key.
... rendering the door to our successful blogging career still locked. For some reason, whether it be distance or writer's block, we can not keep consistent with our posts. For this, we are very very sorry.

So we decided to write about one of the three things you are never supposed to bring up in polite conversation!
RELIGION!!
M: So, Ry, I'll just come right and and ask it. What do you believe in?
R:I don't exactly know what I believe... Uh, is hockey a religion?
M:Yes! Totally. Religion is what ever you believe in. Hockey is definitely your religion. Heaven being...
R:The Stanley Cup. Its called Lord Stanley's cup, anyways. Proof, hockey is god. Actually, that makes Wayne Gretzky god.
M:When is church?
R:Church happens about every other night during fall and winter. A lot of Randy and Drew (the announcers) because they are the preachers.
M:What are Drew and Randy preaching?
R:They just preach a lot about the rules of hockey, like when you don't understand something they explain. You can go to them for guidance.


M: What has your religion taught you? What's the morality of hockey?
R: Wow. Heartbreak. You get disappointed a lot of the time, but there is that one chance, that ultimate experience. I think Hockey is the same as the morality of life: the golden rule. If you punch a guy in the face, expect him to punch you back. Hockey to me is about not retaliating though. Leave him with the penalty.
M :So right. Be the bigger man.
R: Exactly.
M: What is hell to you, bub?
R: If the Sharks don't win the Stanley Cup during my life, do you know how disappointed I will be? I imagine that is what hell would be like. I couldn't imagine anything worse. An icy, cold afterlife.
M: See? Some people envision burning in flames for all of eternity. Being shut out of a Stanley Cup win is your hell. Except its cold. And the devil drives a Zamboni. Everyone who has a religion practices differently, whether you are a Christian or an Agnostic Theist (Woot Woot!).
R: What I believe in sweetie? Country Music? The good old south?
M: Are you saying that because I sing with a country accent?
R: Kind of.
M: I change what I believe in everyday. My imagination is too big to be an atheist. Why choose to believe in the infinite nothingness when I can believe in, literally, a million other things. Most days, I long to be Jewish. I would like to have a huge family Shabbat dinner every Friday. I am a closet Jewish nerd.

R:No you don't. Okay yes you do, but don't you believe in other things? Right?
M:Yes, you're right. I classify myself with a small sect of people who believe in Agnostic Theism. In a nutshell: An agnostic theist is one who believes that knowledge of god(s) is not possible but chooses to believe there is a higher being anyways. I like to believe, relying solely on faith, that there is a god. But, per agnosticism which is rooted in knowledge, know that this god or Gods or GOD or gOdS is inherently unknowable.
R:What does that make for your morality then if you don't follow hockey's rules... or the Bible?
M: My morality is to believe in the intellectual. Use your human instinct to do good. I love helping people, and it may be my nature or it may be my religion. No "god" is breathing down my neck or threatening entire damnation if I make a mistake. I am just trying to be the absolute best person I can and hopefully I will reincarnate as a lazy, fat cat. That is my ultimate goal.

R: Um... what is an agnostic?
M: I believe that no one can prove there is a god. Ever. And if you were able to prove there was a god, than it would destroy the whole purpose of faith, wouldn't it? Thats kind of my take on agnosticism. I have faith in the notion that there are dieties that watch the world from a sofa far away some where. And I also have a little buddhism mixed in. Re: my note about the Golden Key to Happiness on Facebook.
R: You've been having good Karma this week.
M: Yeah, its been so crazy! When we were driving to that memorial I so badly wanted not to go to! And we got every red light on the way. And a train stopped us too. And then, at Chinese food, all three of our fortune cookies had the number 39 on it.
R: And I predicted that Logan Couture, Shark player who wears number 39, would have a great year. And the next day, he had a front page article on the website about how he is going to have a breakout year!
M: That was intense and crazy. That means more Chinese food for us!
R: Great...

And we will continue to discuss what region means to us. And that is good. Religion shouldn't be something you have to argue about, especially with someone you love. Luckily we understand that religion is personal, and is literally different for everyone. Sometimes people forget that. So, enjoy anything, nothing and everything you believe in. Leave feedback and comments, if you're so inclined. We would love to hear how you practice (or don't practice) your religion!

See you on the otherside,
Ry and My

Food for thought...

No, we're actually not talking about anything thought-provoking... we are talking about our hands down, FAVORITE thing in the whole wide universe.

FOOD.

Glorious, glorious food.
We love to buy it, make it, cook it, eat it, play with it, and enjoy it.

R: There are three things I love in the world. Food, Sharks hockey, and Mayan. Or food, Mayan and... food.
M: Clearly we love food. I think we started cooking together when we first started dating.
R: The first thing we cooked together was probably our world-famous sausamashajewcchini. Its Italian, you know.
M: Wow. That was impressive. But its true, our sausage, mushroom, zucchini dish is pretty delicious. Recipe time!

SAUSAMASHAJEWCCHINI.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

We like to buy our produce at Trader Joe's because its pretty fresh and not very expensive.
For a dinner for two (mind you this is Ryan's appetite, so its actually dinner for 13) you will need:
One package of zucchini (4-5 zucchinis)
One carton of white button mushrooms
One package of Chicken sausages (We've used Chicken apple, sun-dried tomato, portobello mushroom- they all taste great)
1/2 onion
Spices: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Olive Oil

1. Slice the mushroom, zucchini and sausage into 1/2 inch slices (keeping the meat and vegetables separate because, remember, this is JEWcchini, and we're keeping it Kosher) (just kidding because to keep kosher we would need a rabbi... so... anyways), and dice the onion.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, also start a small skillet on medium
2. Oil the large skillet and, when hot, add the zucchini.
3. Let the zucchini get a head start of about 3-4 minutes and then add the mushrooms and onions.
4. Add your seasonings to taste. Don't add too much. Seriously.
5. While this is cooking, add your sausage to the small skillet to sizzle. Ryan loves when it sizzles. We are simple people.
6. When the sausage has taken on a nice brown color, with lots of crispy-ness, add it to the veggies.
7. Saute the rest for another 5 minutes, or when the veggies are done.

YOU NOW HAVE PREPARED YOURSELF A DELICIOUS DINNER THAT YOU CAN ENJOY WITH YOUR LOVED ONE.
(OR BY YOURSELF, WHICH EVER IS CONVENIENT TO YOU AT THE TIME THIS DINNER IS PREPARED)
Ryan enjoys his as a filing to a sandwich, but i just pile it onto my plate and stuff myself with the deliciousness.

We enjoyed writing this recipe for you!
R: I would like to add that it goes well with garlic potatoes, or pasta.
M; Indeed, Indeed. I think we should share a recipe every week.
R: Or eat it in a nice panini. It would then be called SAUSAMASHAJEWCCHINPANINI.
M: Wow. We're done now.
R: Okay.

Sorry we didn't blog for so long! We promise to make it to you by posting glorious recipes all the time now!!!!!!!!!!

M: How should we sign out?
R: I AM THE SAUSAMASHAJEWCHINNI MAN.
M: Sigh.

Sincerely,
Ryan and Mayan

The time we got new toys...

R: There is one giant reason I got an xbox: I won't be as bored when Mayan is gone.
M: Thats cute, bub. My amazonkindle is to keep my brain full and my mind occupied on my trips!

Today we got new electronics... and it feels like Christmas.

M: Why don't you tell everyone about your xbox, and what games you've got.
R: I didn't get any new games, I just have the ones I've already have. Basketball, football, hockey... all the sports games.
M: Well thats good, at like it will feel like your getting exercise...



It feels like summer has officially started, now that we have some brand new toys (or brand-new to you, in Ry's case)

M: I am so pleased with my Kindle. It was the most difficult day at work because all I could think about was getting home and exploring my new device!
R: Its very "you."
M: Haha! You're right, its an electronic book (or books!). I used to reject the thought of not feeling the weight of a book in my hand, but honestly, when you're reading on the kindle, it completely disappears! You are the book are off on your adventure! SO nice.

R: Its cute, and like a really thin pancake.
M: You're funny.
R: You're funny. Its really cool because its for you and your happy.
M: I hope your xbox makes you happy!
R: it keeps me happy when you're away.... (sad face.)
M: Well I guess this is one way of coping with it...


WE ARE GOING TO GO PLAY NOW BYE!
haha. but really. bye!

sincerely,
ms. white and mr. mdermott